Challenge 5 x 5

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This week I’m in France to spend time with my family as well as for some interesting interviews with journalists and exciting meetings in the world of fitness and nutrition.

When I travel – particularly to Paris to meet journalists and promote my books etc. – my schedule is so tight that it’s often difficult to find time for my regular exercise routine. Not to mention that I have limited space in my suitcase which means I only take the things I absolutely cannot go without: fitness clothes, my sneakers, a Pilates ring, a LeBootCamp sports water bottle and my yoga mat. (I use filled water bottles for weights so I can leave my dumbbells at home!)

That said, a tight schedule which interferes with my regular fitness routine also makes for a perfect opportunity to challenge myself – together with you, my BootCampers!

Challenge 5 x 5

Our challenge of the week is to run 5 km / 3.1 miles every day for 5 consecutive days. Impossible? Too hard? Well, it wouldn’t be a challenge otherwise :)! What counts most is not speed but endurance: keep your own pace and get to the finish line without stopping. Breathing evenly, start out walking briskly and then increase to a jog and then a run. Take advantage of this outdoor session to air out, vent and clear your mind. No weather excuses! You’ll jump in the shower when you get back anyways 🙂

Going for a challenge – in particular an activity that is new for you – is a healthy way to push your body’s limits (within reason!). The goal? To force yourself beyond your comfort zone. And a body that sweats and pushes its limits is a toned body which improves its endurance and physical capacity, and secretes endorphins.

Having a regular fitness routine with focused sessions in which we gradually master various exercises is important: we work our body mindfully and learn to use our muscles correctly; we have a consistent way to track our progress; and the planned routine means less stress as our exercise is seamlessly locked into our schedule.

But breaking this routine once in a while is also very beneficial for boosting motivation and for unearthing something new inside of us. The definition of a challenge is “something that by its nature or character serves as a call to battle, contest, special effort, etc.”.That victorious feeling of “I did it!” renews your self-esteem and propels you to keep going forward. Let’s discover your inner power!

So this week let’s switch roles a little: you’re going to motivate your coach to move while on my Paris trip by joining me in this challenge. If it means getting up earlier or retiring a little later, no matter the weather, I will HAVE TO stick to this challenge and stay accountable thanks to you and our joint commitment: do your 5k / 3.1m run every day and tag me on social networks with #LeBootChallenge5x5 #LeBootCampand a photo of yourself during or after your session 🙂

Of course, make sure to stretch well after your runs including calves, quadriceps, and hamstrings.

PS: If your weight or physical condition prevents you from running, then aim for 25% more than what you generally do. Challenge your current level in some way!

Get into some comfy fitness gear, put on your sneakers, grab a bottle of water… and let’s get out!